How to Find Off-Market Real Estate Deals

Discover the best ways to find off-market real estate deals. Learn proven strategies that investors use to uncover hidden property opportunities and close profitable transactions without MLS competition.

Jun 18, 2025 - 08:02

If you're serious about real estate investing, you already know the competition on listed properties can be fierce. That’s why many successful investors focus on off-market real estate deals. These are properties not listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), meaning fewer eyes and potentially more profit.

This article will guide you through the top strategies for finding off-market properties, whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale your portfolio.

What Are Off-Market Deals?

Off-market real estate deals are properties that are for sale but not publicly listed. This could mean the owner is thinking of selling but hasn’t taken action yet or the sale is happening privately. These deals can offer better prices, more flexibility, and less competition.

Some common types of off-market deals include:

For Sale By Owner (FSBO) homes
Distressed properties
Probate and inherited properties
Pre-foreclosures
Pocket listings (known only to a select group of buyers)

Why Go After Off-Market Deals?

Here’s why these types of properties are so attractive to investors:

Less competition – Since they're not listed, you’re not bidding against dozens of buyers.
Better price negotiation – Motivated sellers are often open to creative terms.
Higher potential ROI – You can find diamonds in the rough before they hit the market.
Flexibility in the deal – There's more room to customize terms, financing, or timing.

1. Drive for Dollars

This classic strategy still works incredibly well.

It involves physically driving through neighborhoods looking for distressed or vacant homes. These properties often have overgrown lawns, boarded windows, or visible neglect. Once spotted, write down the address and look up the owner’s contact details through your county assessor’s website or skip-tracing tools.

Tip:

Use driving-for-dollars apps like DealMachine to streamline the process and instantly send mail to property owners.

2. Build a Direct Mail Campaign

Direct mail is a tried-and-true method. You send letters or postcards directly to property owners who may be willing to sell.

Target lists could include:

Absentee landlords
Out-of-state owners
Probate leads
Pre-foreclosure or tax-delinquent properties
Expired listings

Keep your message simple and genuine. Let them know you’re interested in buying their home and can close quickly.

3. Use Wholesalers and Bird Dogs

Wholesalers are professionals who find and lock up deals to assign or flip to investors. Partnering with a good wholesaler gives you access to off-market opportunities regularly.

Bird dogs are individuals who scout potential deals for a fee or a share of the profit. They’re your eyes and ears on the ground.

Network with these players at local real estate events, on forums, or through social media groups.

4. Leverage Real Estate Agents

Some real estate agents specialize in pocket listings or have connections with homeowners considering selling privately.

Form relationships with agents in your target area. Let them know you’re an investor looking for off-market opportunities. Be clear about your buying criteria and show that you're a serious buyer.

5. Use Online Platforms and Tools

Several platforms now offer off-market property data. These include:

PropStream – Nationwide property data with filters for distressed or off-market properties
REIPro – Useful for deal analysis and skip tracing
BatchLeads – Helps with direct marketing and lead generation

These tools often include contact details, property history, and ownership data, which help you reach out to owners directly.

6. Tap Into Public Records

Many off-market opportunities show up in public data. Look for:

Probate cases
Divorce records
Tax delinquencies
Code violations

Your local county courthouse or online property records site will have this information. It takes time but can uncover golden opportunities that no one else is chasing.

7. Network Like a Pro

Word of mouth is still powerful. Make sure your network knows you’re actively buying properties. You never know who might have a friend, family member, or coworker looking to sell.

Attend:

Local real estate investor meetings (REIAs)
Property auctions
Networking events
Landlord associations

Join online communities like BiggerPockets and Facebook real estate investor groups.

8. Use Social Media and Online Ads

Run targeted ads or post regularly on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Craigslist to let people know you buy houses.

Simple, honest ads like:

“We Buy Homes As-Is — No Fees, No Commissions. Call Us Today!”

can bring leads directly to your inbox. Consistency is key. The more you put your message out there, the more leads you’ll generate.

9. Talk to Contractors and Service Providers

Contractors often know about properties in distress. A homeowner doing repairs might be preparing to sell. Build relationships with:

General contractors
Electricians
Plumbers
Lawn care companies
Pest control providers

Offer a referral fee for leads that turn into deals.

10. Build a Website and SEO Strategy

Create a simple website showcasing your services as a buyer. Optimize it for keywords like “sell my house fast” or “cash home buyer [your city]”.

Over time, SEO will bring in organic leads looking to sell their properties without listing them publicly.

You can also use lead forms to capture seller information and follow up consistently.

Conclusion

Finding off-market real estate deals takes effort, creativity, and persistence. But once you build a system using these methods, you’ll start attracting quality leads and closing deals without fighting through MLS competition.

Stay consistent, keep networking, and always follow up. The best off-market deals often come from long-term relationships and genuine outreach.